Brigham Young University-Idaho graduation: Personal and professional inspiration 'available to all'
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Inspiration to know what to do in every important phase of life, both personal and professional, is available to all, said , during Brigham Young University-Idaho's fall commencement services Saturday. The exercises were held in the Hart Auditorium, as family members, faculty and friends celebrated the 1,280 graduates — the most graduates in the history of the school.
"With profound feelings of thankfulness I warmly greet each one of you we honor at this commencement service," said Elder Scott. "You have not only attained an outstanding secular education, but you have done it while meeting the highest standards of integrity and spirituality."
President Kim B. Clark, president of BYU-I, conducted the services and Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Seventy and commissioner of education also spoke. BYU-Idaho choirs sang George Frideric Handel's "Messiah." Convocations for the various colleges, where graduates will receive their diplomas, were held throughout the campus at various times during the day.
"You are unique among graduating students in the world for having been schooled in this Church university," Elder Scott said. "Therefore, we expect of you future accomplishments far beyond those asked of a graduating class elsewhere. ... Your preparation here has provided an exceptional foundation for you to accomplish worthwhile ambitions and realize much good."
Comparing the launching of a spacecraft to graduation, Elder Scott expressed the importance of this milestone in a person's life.
"Consider the impressive launching of a spacecraft," Elder Scott said. "This is the culmination of a tremendous combined effort of planning, training and hard work. It is likewise the beginning of a journey that will place its astronaut crew at their destination where they will fulfill their worthwhile assignments. When the mission is completed the spacecraft will facilitate their return with honor."
Students use the same tools needed to launch a spacecraft to enter the course of life, Elder Scott said. And, just as a spacecraft has many supports and safety systems, students have the help of parents, loved ones, university professors and priesthood leaders. Elder Scott listed all the tools used in preparation for launch.
"In recent weeks you have been experiencing a similar countdown to a very real launching into the orbit of life, where you have substantially increased control of your destiny," he said. "With this commencement program, you are launched into the trajectory of life. You have increased freedom as well as increased responsibility for your decisions."
Even with the preparation and training gained through a college experience, it is still important to follow the direction of the spirit, in all of life's pursuits, Elder Scott said.
"Be certain that the freedom of choice you now have is used wisely, productively by continuing to live righteously to enjoy the guidance of the Holy Spirit to achieve your worthy goals in life."
Elder Scott shared ways in which graduates can have the guidance of the Spirit, and receive power from God to expand an individual's strength to accomplish His inspired will, especially as challenges occur.
Use correct principles. From the teachings of Jesus Christ, establish a set of guiding principles for life. Never deviate from or compromise them.
Exercise faith in Jesus Christ. A person should let their predominant attitude be faith in the Lord and His teachings, trusting in His ability to keep His promises. As individuals stay close to Him through faith and obedience, the Holy Ghost will help with solutions to every problem one encounters.
Have an attitude of continuing happiness. Challenges are not intended to be the substance of life, but more stepping stones to further growth and attainment. Life should be wondrously beautiful, he said.
Establish a home and family. A person should make the place where they live, no matter how humble or temporary, the embodiment of a clean and righteous environment where the Spirit can dwell and guide them.
Trust in the Lord. Inspiration and power comes as individuals are obedient to His counsel and commandments.
Be honest and loyal. He encouraged individuals to keep their word, and keep their commitments, as well as giving more than is expected.
Live so as to be trusted. Trust opens wide the gate to exceptional opportunity and success.
Follow proper traditions. When traditions strengthen family and fit within the teachings of Jesus Christ, continue them. If they are not in harmony with the gospel, discontinue them.
Smile. Smiling is a beautiful way to let sunshine into an individual's life and to spread that joy to others.
Don't complain. Even when life is unfair, don't waste time complaining, he said.
Serve others. Immense happiness comes from serving others selflessly, especially with Church assignments.
Express Gratitude. Give thanks for the Atonement, recognizing that all of the blessings of a happy life are possible because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
"Today as you commence the balance of your life, recognize that the Lord has placed divine influence in your life that will lead you along the individual plan He would have you fulfill here on earth," he said. "Through much prayer and pondering seek through the Spirit to identify and carefully follow that influence. It is most easily identified by humbly seeking the will of the Lord."
mholman@desnews.com
